September 2000 - Austin Energy, which already had the lowest green pricing rate among electric utilities for power generated from 100% new renewable energy projects, has reduced its rate even further because of rising natural gas prices. Subscribers to the utility's GreenChoice product are exempt from a recently imposed fuel charge increase of 3.9%, or $2.63 per month for the average customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month. Given that GreenChoice customers were being asked to pay an extra 0.4¢/kWh, or $4.00 per month on average, the green power premium is now 0.137¢/kWh, or $1.37 per month. Residential and small business subscribers will receive 100% of their power needs from renewable energy sources when the power becomes available in 2001—Austin has contracted for 20 MW of wind power and 20 MW from landfill methane projects.